FLASHBACK 2016
Fan forum members were voicing the same concerns then as they are now! With the window of opportunity closing on Marty’s rebuild, the vast majority were adamant: Sell Marty! Trade HoSang, Perlini, Dunn…

Marty didn’t follow the direction preferred by most fans. He opted to take a run at a championship instead. What an amazing ride! The chance to experience the energy and excitement in “The Vault” made it all worth it!

Keep In Mind: Before they added players like: Ho Sang, Jenys, Wesley, Mantha, Nedeljkovic and Harper – the Ice Dogs had a collection of players that most fans were regularly disgruntled with: B. Moran, V. Dunn, G. Knott, A. Haydon, B. Perlini (never really returned to his form of the previous year) – even Ho Sang had numerous detractors on here! Along with those jeered, were those who the fans cheered: W. Lochead, J. Maletta and B. Siebenaler.

That conversation will likely be no different for the Ice Dogs this year, next year and every year after that. There are always going to be those who feel the team is never quite good enough and should just keep rebuilding every year - and those who believe the Ice Dogs should “go for it”...like Marty did!

I do agree with those who feel this group of players alone will most likely not be strong enough to make a run at a championship next year.

In much the same way as that 2016 team was not strong enough (before those trades were made) – CHANGES will have to be made to this group.

However, I do believe IF they use their available assets (including money) to make some big, bold, game changing moves and bring in some high-end talent to add to their key returning players – the Ice Dogs may be contenders in 2018-2019.

I have stated this before that prior to the deadline, a trade will be made to help us in the future. It will not be a big blockbuster type.
It will be a player coming that will help us this year, next year.
A 99 or 2000 born player.
He might cost us a roster player and a pick or two, but would be a nice piece to the puzzle.
I would not be surprised that this happens before the December trade freeze as the cost for a player doubles or triples in January.

FLASHBACK 2016
Fan forum members were voicing the same concerns then as they are now! With the window of opportunity closing on Marty’s rebuild, the vast majority were adamant: Sell Marty! Trade HoSang, Perlini, Dunn…

Marty didn’t follow the direction preferred by most fans. He opted to take a run at a championship instead. What an amazing ride! The chance to experience the energy and excitement in “The Vault” made it all worth it!

Keep In Mind: Before they added players like: Ho Sang, Jenys, Wesley, Mantha, Nedeljkovic and Harper – the Ice Dogs had a collection of players that most fans were regularly disgruntled with: B. Moran, V. Dunn, G. Knott, A. Haydon, B. Perlini (never really returned to his form of the previous year) – even Ho Sang had numerous detractors on here! Along with those jeered, were those who the fans cheered: W. Lochead, J. Maletta and B. Siebenaler.

That conversation will likely be no different for the Ice Dogs this year, next year and every year after that. There are always going to be those who feel the team is never quite good enough and should just keep rebuilding every year - and those who believe the Ice Dogs should “go for it”...like Marty did!

While a Conference championship is nice, do you remember them losing in four straight to London? Again, Marty sold everything that wasn't nailed down to pay for that Conference Championship banner. The Dogs don't have the assets to pay again this time around because of that.

Personally, I don't think they're near good enough to win an OHL Championship next year, and I don't see how they add enough talent with the assets or lack thereof they hold.

Could they contend for the Conference next year? Maybe.
Is that the goal? I hope not.